UFC Announces First-Ever Event To Be Held In Russia

After months of speculation, the UFC officially announced plans to enter Russia later this year.

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UFC Fight Night: Moscow is scheduled for September 15 from the Olimpiyskiy Arena in Moscow, Russia. Tickets for the event go on sale June 1, though no fights were announced in the release.

“Russia is a key part of UFC’s international expansion strategy,” commented David Shaw, Senior Vice President, UFC International and Content. “The demand from our fans to bring a live event to Russia has been overwhelming, and with the vast potential this market holds for us, we knew this was the perfect time to bring UFC Fight Night to Moscow.”

With UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov and featherweight Zabit Magomedsharipov all rising through the ranks, the UFC pushed hard to bring the Octagon to Russia.

Nurmagomedov recently claimed the vacant title with a victory over Al Iaquinta, Volkov is coming off a victory over former UFC champion Fabricio Werdum and Magomedsharipov is on a three-fight win streak inside the Octagon.

As part of UFC’s commitment to the market, Andre Gromkovski has been appointed as Vice President, UFC Russia. Gromkovski brings with him expertise across the media sales, digital, marketing and content distribution landscapes, working with companies such as Universal Studios, FOX, Viacom and Paramount Pictures.

Based in Moscow, Gromkovski will be leading the regional strategic plan for UFC Russia, working alongside UFC’s executive team in Las Vegas and the EMEA team based in London.